Texas Opens Nation's First Safe House For Male Survivors

Men Are Victims Of Human Trafficking Too, Texas Opens First Safe House Just For Them

When most people hear the words "human trafficking," they often picture women and children. But men are victims too, and when they escape trafficking, they need a safe place to rebuild their lives.

Texas has now opened what officials say is the nation's first residential safe house created exclusively for adult male survivors of human trafficking.

The facility, Bob's House of Hope in Justin, Texas, officially opened during a ceremony on Wednesday, July 29, attended by Governor Greg Abbott, First Lady Cecilia Abbott, and anti-human trafficking advocates from across Texas.

Governor Abbott Tours House of Hope - Photo: Office of the Governor 7-29-26

Governor Abbott praised the new facility as a major step in helping survivors recover while continuing the state's efforts to crack down on traffickers.

"Texas leads America in combating human trafficking and child sex trafficking," Abbott said. "Ranch Hands Rescue and Bob's House of Hope provide a beacon of hope for victims in need, creating a model of care that truly can be replicated across the entire country."

A Safe Place To Start Over

Bob's House of Hope provides secure housing along with trauma-informed care and support services designed specifically for adult men who have survived commercial sexual exploitation.

According to officials, the facility fills a major gap in services, as very few long-term recovery programs have been available for male survivors.

The home was developed through Ranch Hands Rescue and is intended to help survivors rebuild their lives in a safe, supportive environment.

Texas Continues Anti-Trafficking Efforts

During Wednesday's event, Abbott also highlighted recent Texas laws aimed at increasing penalties for traffickers and strengthening protections for victims.

Those measures include:

Raising all human trafficking offenses to first-degree felonies.
Eliminating parole for traffickers who target children or people with disabilities.
Expanding tools available to law enforcement and prosecutors.

State leaders say the goal is to punish traffickers more aggressively while providing better resources for survivors.

Human Trafficking Affects Everyone

Advocates hope the opening of Bob's House of Hope also raises awareness that human trafficking does not affect just one group of people.

Men can also become victims of trafficking and exploitation, and they often face unique challenges in finding housing, counseling, and long-term support after escaping their traffickers.

The new Texas facility is designed to help meet those needs while offering survivors a path toward healing and a fresh start.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Office

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